Biography:
Diana Casanova is a contemporary figurative artist whose work explores the emotional and psychological experiences that shape identity, memory, and personal transformation. Through recurring female protagonists and symbolic imagery, her paintings examine themes of resilience, vulnerability, communication, nostalgia, and growth.
Working primarily in watercolor and mixed media, Casanova creates emotionally charged narratives where physical forms become manifestations of internal states. Organic elements such as water, flowers, leaves, and sensory obstructions serve as metaphors for overwhelm, perseverance, self-discovery, and the lingering influence of memory. Her ongoing series investigate the ways emotions, language, and childhood experiences continue to shape adult perception and identity.
Although her work often carries a dark psychological presence, it is balanced by an appreciation for beauty, humor, and the unexpected. Casanova frequently incorporates puns and playful turns of phrase into the titles of her artwork, and many pieces begin with a humorous expression that evolves into a symbolic visual narrative. This interplay between wit and emotional depth invites viewers to discover moments of levity within more introspective themes.
Casanova earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Webster University and a Master of Fine Arts from Washington University in St. Louis. She lives and works in the St. Louis area, where she continues to develop her studio practice.
Outside the studio, Casanova finds inspiration in the people she loves most. She has a deep appreciation for her family, the ritual of making art, and a good cup of coffee, three constants that continue to ground both her life and creative practice.
Exhibition History/CV
2027
Distance Shores, Inverarity Gallery, Scotland.. May 2027.
2026
Victoriana II, Poetic Tiger Gallery. August 7th-26th, 2026.
Flora and Fauna, Women in the Arts Network, Virtual Exhibition. Online https://womeninartsnetwork.com/flora-and-fauna-exhibition/
Prowl, Inverarity Gallery, Scotland February 2026. Group Exhibition
2025
Goddess, Inverarity Gallery, Scotland. October 1st-November 30th, 2026. Group Exhibition.
2019
WOMAN, The Santos Foundation Collection, St. Louis
2018
One Year of Resistance, Untitled Space, New York, NY
2017
Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series, Semi Finalist
Small Works National Competition, Mena Art Gallery, AR
Dangerous Lullabies III, Chicago IL
She Inspires, Untitled Space, New York, NY
Burning Bright, Living Collective, St. Louis, MO
Wall Ball 2017, St. Louis, MO
As If Something Had Its’ Own Place, Dock Space Gallery, San Antonio, TX
Angry Women, Untitled Space, New York, NY
2016
Tattoo Extravaganza, Houston, TX
Strange and Unusual Show, Art Realm Tattoo, Austin, TX
Star of Texas Tattoo Art Revival, Austin Convention Center, Austin, TX
2015
MFA Thesis Exhibition, Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, St. Louis, MO
Beauties of the Night, Alexi Era Gallery, Mascoutah, IL
Old School St. Louis Tattoo Expo, Holiday Inn Downtown, St. Louis, MO
2014
MFA First Year Exhibition, Des Lee Gallery, St. Louis, MO
Le Premier etage, Cecille R. Hunt Gallery, Webster Groves, MO
Pulse, St. Louis Contemporary Art Museum, St. Louis, MO
Parabola: Collabora (Juried Exhibition), Des Lee Gallery, St. Louis, MO
2013
Level, Webster University Bachelor of Fine Arts Exhibition, St. Louis, MO
2012
Art Dimensions, 2720 Cherokee Street, St. Louis, MO
Annual Juried Exhibition (Photography Contest), The May Gallery, Webster Groves, MO
Presentations
2015
Thesis Defense: “Am I Winning?” Washington University St. Louis
2014
Panel Discussion for le Premiere etage, Webster University, Webster Groves, MO
Publications
2018
PIECES, Nine Network of Public Media (online and broadcast segment)
2015
MFA Thesis Catalog, Spring 2015, Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, St. Louis MO